“The Association council noted that the elections of 31 October and 21 November 2020 were competitive and that, overall, fundamental freedoms were respected,” a joint press release following the 6th Association council meeting between the European Union and Georgia reads.

According to information, both sides stressed the need to continue the successful cooperation between the EU and Georgia on strategic communication and countering disinformation.

“The Association council agreed on the importance of addressing all recommendations related to the shortcomings identified by international observers, including OSCE/ODIHR, through ambitious and inclusive electoral reform in order to strengthen the electoral environment and render it more favourable for the democratic conduct of elections.

The Association council strongly regretted the deepening political polarisation in Georgia. The EU called for a swift resolution to the ongoing political situation, for all parties to step up efforts to de-escalate the situation and come together to identify and agree on common ground. The Association council agreed that it was vital for all actors to continue working, in the EU-supported mediation, to find an early resolution to Georgia’s political crisis.

The Association council reiterated its call on all political actors to work together and to maintain open dialogue in Georgia, including with civil society, in order to further strengthen democratic institutions, consolidate pluralistic democracy and advance reforms. Both sides stressed the need to continue the successful cooperation between the EU and Georgia on strategic communication and countering disinformation,” the press release reads.

The sixth meeting of the Georgia-EU Association Council has been held on Tuesday in Brussels, Belgium. Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Gharibashvili and his governmental delegation participated in the session.